Introducing the city

Beer-loving Bratislava has something for everyone: Sample traditional dishes in a cellar bar, wander along the banks of the Danube or explore medieval castles and ancient, winding streets.

While lively stag weekenders often parade around Bratislava's city streets, luckily for the rest of us, Slovakia's vibrant capital presents a little more than lager-louts in typically outrageous attire. Part eastern European hotspot, part historic town, Bratislava has plenty for party-goers and relaxed visitors alike. Whatever your reason for visiting though, you’ll be hard pushed to avoid Bratislava’s favourite past time – drinking beer.

Christmastime sees the medieval old town come alive with a festive market, which sells everything from traditional gifts to gingerbread houses. In the summer, students flock to the banks of the Danube to flake out with a brew and enjoy the sunshine. Beyond the party area of Beblavého Street’s cellar bars lie folk-art shops and tiny, traditional restaurants.

There are also plenty of museums and galleries – many of which exhibit (rare) Slovak art collections; try the Danubiana Art Museum to avoid the crowds. And if the beer hangover isn’t too horrendous, then climb to Bratislava Castle for some fabulous city views. Hey, it might even help the world stop spinning.

August has the best weather although the Christmas markets in December make for a lovely visit in winter.

Bratislava has a north continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The coolest month is January with an average temperature of -1 degrees Celsius and the warmest is July at 21 degrees Celsius; the wettest month is June.

Travioor top tips

For a cheap summer’s day out, pack a picnic and head to the banks of the Danube.

Discounted multi journey value tickets can be bought for public transport.

Show moreShow less

See more

Food and drink

Main Course£4.20 | 5.00 €

3-Course Meal£20.99 | 25.00 €

Cappuccino£1.49 | 1.78 €

Beer£1.26 | 1.50 €

The Scene

Bratislava has plenty of traditional Slovakian restaurants and the region's cuisine has many different influences. Popular dishes include Bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheeps’ milk cheese), segedin goulash (pork stew with sauerkraut and steamed dumplings) and Rezeň (breaded schnitzel). Sweet treats are also popular – Laskonky (dough with walnuts and a cream filling) is a must try. For drinks, your best bet is local Šariš or Smädný mních beers.

Show moreShow less

See more

History

Bratislava’s Story

The first Neolithic settlers in Bratislava have been dated to around 5000 BC and they were later followed by the Celts and then the Romans. The Romans introduced wine-making into the region, a tradition that is still continued today (you can visit the hillside vineyards that surrounded the city for a tipple).

In the 5th and 6th centuries, Slavic groups arrived in the region and the first reference to a place named ‘Brezalauspurc’ (an early version of Bratislava) dates back to 907. Over the centuries, the area became a strategic hub for both the Ottoman Empire and also the Kingdom of Hungary. It didn't officially become the capital of Slovakia until 1993 when Czechoslovakia split into two separate countries. Today, Bratislava stands as a popular tourist destination, particularly for stag weekenders and groups looking for cheap nightlife.

See more

Language

Ahoj | Hello

Ďakujem | Thank you

Slovak

Slovak is the official language in Bratislava, which has close links to Polish, Ukrainian and Czech; some people may not understand English (although most of the younger generation will). All tourist sights, guides and signs will have English translations. The following Slovak phrases may help you get by:

Please: Prosím

Excuse me: Prepáčte!

Do you speak English?: Vieš po anglicky?

Show moreShow less

See more

Need to know

+421Dialling Code

112Emergency Services

Get The Low-Down

The public transport ticket inspectors can be quite harsh on tourists – make sure you have the correct ticket.

It’s possible to travel to Vienna for a day – you can organise a trip through the tourist office.

This form will not subscribe you to any information you haven't already requested from us. We only use your e-mail address to provide this service. We will not store any of the data.

All Set!

Thanks for subscribing,you're now signed up for our Newsletters. You'll receive the next edition in your inbox.Enjoy!

→

Now sit back, relax and wait for a monthly burst of travel inspiration to arrive straight to your inbox. We hope you enjoy it! in the meantime, have a look at the website and start dreaming up your next big adventure.